Knowledge and Perception of Pharmacy Students about Generic Medicine in India: Web-based Cross-sectional Study

Background: Globally, India being the largest provider of generic drugs, the students of all cadres of pharmacy need to have proper knowledge about generic drugs and their significance in the market, as well as in the lives of the consumers of the country. Objectives: The principal aim of this study is to compare and comprehend the knowledge and perceptions of B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Pharm.D students regarding generic medications. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based investigation was conducted for this study in September 2020. For this study, a semi-structured questionnaire of 22 items with four sections was constructed. They are the social demographic section, overall knowledge of generic medicine section, safety and efficacy of generic medicine section and the perception section. For this study, a quantitative analysis was carried out. Results: Significant difference exists in knowledge among these cadres regarding the marketing of generic medicine after the expiry of the patent right of innovator drug with a P-value of <0.01**. It is found that there exists a difference in knowledge regarding efficacy, adverse effects, and safety of generic medicine among these cadres with a P-value less than <0.001***. While comparing the perception of these cadres about the generic drug, there is a statistically significant vast difference. Conclusion: This study finds a significant disparity in knowledge and perceptions of generic medications across B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Pharm.D students.